Franklin Heights is rebuilding on its industrial legacy
Today's Franklin Heights emerged from the remnants of A.O. Smith, a car frame manufacturer that drew many of its employees to the area for decades before closing in 2006. Those 84 acres of vacated industrial land tell the story of Franklin Heights' history, a legacy the city of Milwaukee is attempting to rebuild through the development of Century City Business Park, an industrial corridor for manufacturing companies. "Fixing up this neighborhood is a focus of this city," says Realtor Alex Chou, a Milwaukee local. "They're trying to bring jobs to the area and stitch the city back together again." Century City Business Park is actively expanding, an incentive to those looking for a home in Franklin Heights.
Compact homes with vintage charm and concrete walkways
Early 20th-century bungalows and wood-frame duplexes make up the vast majority of Franklin Heights. House prices typically stay below $100,000 with a few exceptions. These tightly spaced homes are separated by slender concrete walkways that adjoin the sidewalks to the back alleys where residents have access to private parking.
Wood-frame duplexes are a popular residential style in Franklin Heights.
Franklin Heights has several bungalows with lush front yards scattered throughout.
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A former industrial site brings jobs and fresh food to the area
The industrial area that once held A.O. Smith — now Century City Business Park — is often an easy walking distance for many of the neighborhood's houses, though bus stops are dotted along the residential streets every few blocks. Century City Business Park tenants are creating job opportunities for Franklin Heights residents, jobs you'll have no trouble reaching thanks to seven major bus lines that all stop there. The number of tenants continues to grow, but currently includes the City of Milwaukee Department of Public Works, Good City Brewing Company and Hundred Acre, an urban farm working to solve food insecurity in Milwaukee. Fresh greens are grown here year-round inside a controlled environmental system without pesticides or GMOs, then sold to stores and restaurants throughout the city.
Century City is a growing business park in Franklin Heights.
City of Milwaukee has a large Department of Public Works facility in Franklin Heights.
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Dive bars, pizza joints and a vibrant marketplace nearby
Beyond the increasing number of amenities at Century City Business Park, you'll also find a few Franklin Heights staples. You can order a beer and basic bar eats at Warren's Lounge, which has been housed in an unassuming cinderblock building since 1970. Shoot pool while you sip a drink at Murray's Bar just down the block. For that late-night pizza craving, Pizza House is open until midnight most nights. A little further out, you’ll reach Milwaukee-favorite Sherman Phoenix Marketplace just four blocks away. A former BMO Harris Bank, once damaged by fire, was transformed into a multi-vendor shopping destination hosting small businesses-of-color. Here, you'll find something to eat at restaurants like Junior’s Smoked BBQ and Veggie Soul, clothes to buy at Queen’s Closet, pampering to be had by 9th Cloud Massage Therapy and much more.
Students explore wellness and leadership beyond class
Franklin Heights is served by Milwaukee Public Schools, which earns an overall grade of C from Niche. Students can start at Auer Avenue Elementary, which earns a D-plus, and continue on to Wedgewood Park School, which earns a C-minus. High schoolers can attend Ronald Reagan College Preparatory High School, which earns an A-plus. The high school offers an International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme, a highly rigorous course of study geared towards educating the whole student, with a particular focus on critical thinking .
Auer Avenue Elementary School serves students in grades K-5.
The highly esteemed Reagan High School serves students on the north side of Franklin Heights.
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Parks honor local history while offering room to relax and play
For green space, check out Moody Park. This four-acre city park includes open fields bordered by a community garden and basketball courts. Or for something a little more low-key, kick back at Carter Park, a cute gap between blocks named after Dr. Lester Carter Jr. Carter, founder of one of the city's first Black-owned pharmacies before he passed away in 2022 at the age of 90. Whimsical sculptures at Carter Park spell out "Amani," — Swahili for “peace” and Arabic for “wishes”— an alternative name for Franklin Heights and a vibrant representation of this neighborhood's brightening trajectory forward.
Locals frequent Moody Park for its green-spaces and basketball courts.
Carter Park is the perfect place for an art-filled, relaxing walk.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Are you familiar with the Franklin Heights neighborhood?
to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Franklin Heights
US
Homicide
5
4
Sexual Assault
8
4
Assault with Weapon
7
4
Robbery
7
4
Burglary
3
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
4
4
Larceny
6
4
Crime Score
9
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Franklin Heights Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Franklin Heights, Milwaukee sell after 47 days on the market compared to the national average of 54 days. The median sale price for homes in Franklin Heights, Milwaukee over the last 12 months is $100,000, up 23% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
In the lovely Franklin Heights neighborhood lies a great Investor's special or owner-occupy opportunity! An income producing affordable 3-bedroom, 1.5-bath home is awaiting your ownership. Whether you are an investor looking to expand your portfolio, a homeowner wanting to generate extra income, or a new homebuyer wanting to live in this beautifully updated property, this is for you! You can
Come see this 3 bedroom, 1 bath, single family home, with formal dining room, hardwood floors, kitchen with pantry, fenced yard, parking slab and a 2 car garage. Great for owner occupant or investor.
This is a City Of Milwaukee owned Tax Foreclosure. Buyers must show proof of funds or financing to cover purchase price & essential repairs. Essential Repairs:$43,180 (Total Scope Of Work:$48,170)
This is a tax foreclosed property. For the first 30-days of the listing period, no offers below the listing price will be considered per Wisconsin Foreclosure Law. Owner Occupants will be prioritized. BIDS DUE March 30, 2026 AT 10:00am
Deborah McCollum-GathingRedevelopment Authority City of MKE
VERY MOTIVATED SELLER! Seller no longer has the time to manage the property and is eager to sell. This 5-bedroom rental home is currently tenant-occupied at $900/month and presents a great opportunity for an investor ready to move quickly. Ideal for buyers with the vision and resources to rehab and increase value for future equity. Room sizes are estimates. Schedule your showing today!
Totally updated and move-in ready, this beautiful 3-bedroom, 2-full-bath home has it all. The brand-new kitchen features new cabinets, appliances, Corian countertops, and a stylish backsplash. Throughout the home you'll find new flooring and carpeting, fresh paint, new light fixtures, and new windows. Both bathrooms have been completely remodeled with ceramic tile, new vanities, flooring, and
This property is being offered as a tax foreclosure by the City of Milwaukee. Please see attached scope of work with the essential renovation costs of $44,630 and the total scope of work totaling $66,023. Room and lot sizes are estimates & all information should be verified. Property being sold in 'as-is' condition. Property is subject to a performance deposit. Earnest money to be paid to Knight
City owned single family needing extensive repair. Only available to Owner Occupant offers for the 1st 30 days on market. (until 4/3/26) $31,060 in essential repairs. Performance deposit required - buyer must complete essential repairs within 180 days and have City provide proof of completion for performance deposit return. Bring flashlights & use caution when entering. Note: City of Milwaukee
Spacious and character-filled duplex offering 2 bedrooms in each unit, along with separate living and dining rooms that provide a comfortable and functional layout for both owners and tenants. This well-maintained property with classic charm features hardwood floors, elegant coved ceilings, rich original woodwork, and leaded glass windows that add timeless appeal throughout. Recent improvements
City Tax Foreclosure - 2/2BR Duplex w/over 1,999 square feet and more. City Scope of Essential Work is $94,200. Total scope of work is $112,000. Room and lot sizes are estimates & all information should be verified. Property being sold in 'as-is' condition. Bring flashlights & use caution when entering. Note: Owner-Occupant offers only at this time.
Property Id: 958153We have a Clean and Cozy 2br Upper Duplex. L/R Floors have been redone. Updated Kitchen and Bathroom. Walk- in pantry. Off-street pantry. Income Req:Income must be atleast 2.5x the rent amount .No evictions within the last 2yrs.
Welcome to this well-maintained upper duplex unit offering 3 bedrooms and 1 full bathroom in a convenient Milwaukee neighborhood. With a functional layout and plenty of natural light, this home is perfect for families or roommates.Unit Features:Bright living room with large windowsEat-in kitchen with ample cabinet and counter spaceThree comfortably sized bedrooms with
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Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
